District Child Protection Officer, North, Smt Lepcha, elucidating the POCSO Act, 2012 to the stakeholders, stated that the head of the schools and their faculty has a vital responsibility on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences as they can understand the children’s nature in a better way. The teachers play a vital role in tackling child sexual abuse by observing and asking the children who are behaving in an unusual manner.

Further, she urged the stakeholders to extend their cooperation and join hands on combating child abuse.

Smt Lepcha termed child abuse as a societal disease. It is said that 95% of people who commit such crime against children are their close relatives who are trusted by the children. She informed any form of sexual abuse against children can be reported to the nearest Police station or they can also make a call on 1098 (Toll Free) which is available 24/7.

Victims can now use email to report sexual harassment against them at www.ncpcr.gov.in a website dedicated to prevent child sexual abuse.

The DCPO briefed the responsibilities of the media to make sure that the identity of victim of child who has been sexually abused must not be revealed. Similarly, she also sensitized JJ Act, 2015 to the stakeholders.

Superintendent of Police, North, Shri Shangdarpa, informed the house that recently two POCSO cases have been registered in the district. Such cases are being reported at an alarming rate in the State, he added.

District Magistrate, Shri Yadav, appreciated the programme and urged the house to join hands to combat such societal evil. He also informed that the District Administrative Centre, North will initiate programmes such as Field Friday, Best School Award, Revision of Basic Learning and District Evaluation of Schools from the month of June.